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AMR/AMI forWater UtilitiesLon W. House, resentation to California WaterAssociationNovember 11, 2008Monterey, CA
AMR - automated meter reading– a technology which automatically collects metering data andtransfers that data to a central database for analysis and billingpurposes, generally called “smart meters”. Detailed water usagedata can be collected continuously at regular intervals (forexample, every 30 minutes) and can be read remotely via anautomated process, with the usage data sent to the utility’smanagement and billing system. AMR can consist of a number ofvarious methods, ranging from a simple drive-by meter (where themeter reader cruises down the street automatically downloadingthe meter data) to one way communications with the utility. AMI - advanced metering infrastructure– starts with smart meters and adds two-way communicationbetween the meter and utility, and between the meter andconsumer. This means that in addition to providing readings, themeter can also receive (and often act on) instructions sent from theutility or consumer
SimilarOperationalBenefits reduced meter reading costsreduced costs associated with field visits and customer callsimproved billing accuracy and improved cash flowimproved outage information and responsemore efficient asset management and distribution engineeringdesign.Benefits ascribed to installation of an AMR system- Increased revenue from previously unaccounted for water- Reduced meter reading costs including both regular cycle reading and special reads- Reduction in safety / security issues- Reduced GHG- Increased customer service- Help identify and pinpoint losses (customer and system)- Help detect theft of service- More efficient billing- Improved cash flow- Conservation/Efficiency Improvements- Provide outage management and detection- Intangible benefits
The Use ofWaterSmart Meters Improve theunderstanding ofwater consumptionand flow patterns Track and predict changes in trendsand demands Highlight anomalies Warn of high or low flows Identify leaks or other wasteminimization opportunities Shift water consumption to otherparts of the day
Finding Leaks
FindingLeaks
BillingDisputes
ConservationProgramViolations
Remote(Virtual)Turnoff
Better WaterUse Prediction
DetermineTiming ofWater Use
CEC 500-07-022ACWA SmartmeterCase Study ACWA (Association of California Water Agencies),Water & Energy Consulting, Coachella Valley WaterDistrict Emphasis upon peak electrical demand reductions Case Study- Installation of TOU (smart) customer water meters inCity of Palm Desert- Catalog of water smart meters, capabilities,characteristics, costs, and installation- water use profiles for: residential, commercial (stripmall), irrigation- Integration of smart meters into water agency operations- Development of TOU water rates- Assessment of water use shift out of summer afternoonperiod- Impact of water use shift on agency operations- Peak electrical demand reduction impact
Survey OfAMR/AMIinCaliforniaWaterAgenciesFigure 3. Predominant Water Meter SupplierITRONOther usBadger
Over 50% of public wateragencies in CA have someAMR installed(approximately 20%are completely AMR),60% are planning oninstalling/evaluatingAMR in the near future.The initial main reasonfor AMR installationis meter reading costreductions.Figure 5. Expected Benefits of AMROtherOutage managementConservationImproved cash flowMore efficient billingTheft detectionIdentify lossesCustomer serviceReduced GHGSafety / security issuesReduced meter reading costsIncreased revenue0%20%40%60%80%100%
AMRIssuesFigure 6. Concerns About AMROtherVendor supportCompatability with existing systemEase of installation and maintenanceIntegration with current billing systemCost of AMRTechnical obsolescenceIndustry standardsMeter battery life0%20%40%60%80%100%
AMR Decision:What kind of meters or meter readers,where installed,how read,billing compatibilityFigure 4. Evaluation Criteria for AMR SelectionOtherCompatibility w/existingBattery lifeLevel of technologyExperienceStorage ofinformationEase of installationSoftware compatibilityTransmitter %40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Fixed vs. NetworkConfiguration Consideration
Recommendations If you aren’t investigating AMRfor your system - start– contact other water utilities about their experience evaluation criteria, implementation issues, performanceissues If you have AMR - startthinking about AMI If you have AMI - start thinkabout other uses than you aretraditionally used to–––––––Distribution system integrity (remotely identify location and extentof water main breaks, control water loss during breaks, restoreservice after outages)Reduce electricity use and cost ((increase off peak pumping andtreatment, leak detection)Provide increase customer support and involvement (web access)Reduce chemical use ( predict changes in water use and timing)Monitor compliance with watering restrictions/conservationprogramsIncrease theft detectionRemote turn-off/on
AMI - advanced metering infrastructure . more efficient asset management and distribution engineering design. Benefits ascribed to installation of an AMR system . Track and predict changes in trends and
